Had Kendall Watson attended any of the meetings at City Hall prior to the first big public hearing? I’ve been at nearly all of the Design Review Board and Planning Commission sessions. My impression and opinion (and strictly my own) is that at all meetings prior to the big one, very few people spoke in favor of Touchstone’s Plan (now labeled “B”).

Perhaps the ratio was about eight against; two for.

Douglas Howe told the audience at the big meeting that he had been able to sign up 53 people in 48 hours to speak for his proposal. In other words, he recruited the majority of “pro” speakers.

The speakers in favor of a development built within the city’s zoning rules and comprehensive plan guidelines, which were in place when Mr. Howe purchased the property, are people whose homes are directly impacted; those who have lived here all or most of their lives; or those who moved to Kirkland because it is Kirkland.

Since we are not in favor of a “vibrant 24/7 destination mall” with 14 restaurants and 82 retails shops and stores housed in buildings that will totally dominate the skyline and landscape, we have been labeled as anti-progress NIMBYs.

Guilty as charged.

~Roberta Krause, Kirkland